Hygiene levels down in hospitals - one shut down

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Hygiene standards in Swiss hospitals are getting worse. That’s the conclusion of a government inspector, Rafael Moreno.

The Swissmedic official told the SonntagsZeitung newspaper that over the past seven years he’s seen some shocking examples – such as used surgical instruments lying next to sterilized equipment.

Figures back up his observations, showing post operative infections are rising. Although rates between hospitals vary significantly, the national average is still higher than in the United States or Germany. 

In a more specific example, the regional hospital in Château-d’Oex has been banned from carrying out any further operations.

Following a routine inspection, Swissmedic has ordered its facilities to be shut down. The hospital says it knew there would be problems if inspected as recent rules have been toughened. 

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